What Dose the CDC Know About BA.2.86

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website reported yesterday that a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus called BA.2.86 was detected in samples from people in Denmark and Israel, and at least two cases have been identified in the United States.

This variant is notable because it has multiple genetic differences from previous versions of SARS-CoV-2.

BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have received COVID-19 vaccines.

Scientists are evaluating the effectiveness of the forthcoming, updated COVID-19 vaccine. CDC’s current assessment is that this updated vaccine will effectively reduce severe disease and hospitalization.

Based on what the CDC knows on August 23, 2023, there is no evidence that this variant is causing more severe illness.

This CDC assessment may change as additional scientific data are developed.